[Indications for arthrodesis of the knee in Africa (apropos of 24 cases)].

29 knees arthrodesis was performed in 24 patients at the Orthopaedic Department in Dakar. The indications were: post-operative complications following poliomyelitis knee contractures in 11 cases, knee fusion following septic arthritis in 9 cases. The miscellaneous indications were tuberculosis of the knee (5 cases), post traumatic injuries (3 cases) and 1 case of knee osteo-arthritis. The authors pointed out the nature and diversity of those different indications and, now uncommon in developed countries, where knee arthroplasty is primary indication, whereas, arthrodesis is indicated for failures. They also point out the interest of the CHARNLEY procedure for this operation.